WOMEN IN MANUFACTURING APRIL 2019
PAVING THE WAY...
The UK has the lowest percentage of female engineering
professionals in Europe, with countries like Bulgaria and Cyprus
leading the way with a 30% female workforce. In 2017, only 15.1% of
our engineering undergraduates were women, a stark contrast with
countries like India, which has double the rate of female engineering
Clare Darlison,
director, Idhammar Systems
What does your role involve?
As director at manufacturing
software provider, Idhammar
Systems, I work closely with clients
to understand their pain points to
help design software that is fi t for purpose.
Additionally, I focus on the user experience of our systems.
What route did you take to gain a higher position?
I joined Idhammar over 20 years ago, starting as junior
programmer. During this time, I moved up through the ranks,
fi rst to team leader as I gained experience, and then developed
into a project manager role before becoming involved with
the management team. In 2002, I had the opportunity to
participate in a management buy-out alongside two other
colleagues. As a highly driven professional I knew that this was
the next logical step in my career and was determined to tackle
this role head-on.
What changes have you witnessed within the industry
throughout your career?
In terms of diversity and women within the profession, when
I fi rst attended meetings, I was usually the only female in the
room. However, over the years, there has been an increase
in the number of women operating in more senior roles in
comparison to what we would have seen 20-30 years ago.
We now see more females in production, IT, fi nance and
engineering management roles, which as a woman in the
industry is fantastic to see.
What obstacles have you faced as a woman in manufacturing?
Despite being the only woman in the room for many
meetings early on, I didn’t consider that an obstacle. I didn’t
let this intimidate me and from the outset I’ve always been
conscientious – I had set out to do well and whatever I took on
I knew I wanted to do it justice. I have had the luxury to pursue
a career without limitations and haven’t taken any career
breaks. However, I’m fully aware that not everyone shares
my position and I’m incredibly lucky to have been able to
undertake my career without barriers or glass ceilings as such.
undergrads. There is no doubt that women make more than
capable engineers and manufacturers. So why is only 24% of the
UK’s manufacturing workforce female? MMÕs Amy Best asked a few
questions to some women in industry, who are paving the way for
the next generation of young ladies to follow in their footsteps.
Joan Stewart
operations manager, Hotter Shoes
What does your role involve?
I manage the manufacture of 50,000 pairs of shoes and
despatching 70,000 items per week. I arrange the organisation
of the people and processes in all areas of the factory.
What route did you take to gain a
higher position?
I joined Hotter in 1980 as a 16-year-old.
When I fi rst knocked on the front door
I was greeted by an elderly man called
Thomas Houlgrave, who was the founder
of the company. He gave a small interview
and basically said “this job is hard work.”
I replied “I can do hard work” and left the
building not knowing whether I was successful or
not. Following this I then received a phone call to invite me for
another interview, this time with the elderly man’s son, Stewart.
In the following days I rang Stewart every day to fi nd out if I had
a position, eventually getting the news I’d been hoping for. As the
company grew, I progressed to factory manager in 1999, and four
years ago I also assumed the responsibility of the warehouse,
returns and maintenance. Now I am operations manager.
What changes have you witnessed within the industry
throughout your career?
I started in manufacturing in 1980 and there have been many
changes over the years, including greater equality in the
workplace, more rights to employees, the growth of robotics &
automation, much-improved IT equipment & systems, growth
of our business from slippers to casual footwear, more women
in management positions, proliferation of websites, apps etc.,
fl exible working and reduced union involvement in our industry.
What obstacles have you faced as a woman in manufacturing?
I have not felt any obstacles as a woman in manufacturing as I
am a very determined person and will challenge anyone, male
or female, if I feel it is best for the business. Stewart Houlgrave
believed in me, and I believed in him – I wasn’t going to let him
down in any way. I have followed this mantra for the 38 years
I have been with Hotter and still feel the same today under the
current owners.
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